BOTANICAL IDENTITY
The right name is the first step.
Also known as: Salix fragilis
A common name and photograph do not guarantee identification. Check the botanical name and part indicated on a traceable product.
An illustration is not enough to identify a plant for consumption. Do not forage for a species based solely on this profile.
01 · UNDERSTAND
Properties & uses.
Minor joint pain
Shared traditional use; does not demonstrate the efficacy of gathered bark or any individual species.
Read the sourceThe traditional uses described are not clinical proof of effectiveness. Evidence for one preparation cannot automatically be applied to another.
02 · UNDERSTAND THE ACTION
How does the plant act?
Identity is a real scientific limitation here: the historical name Salix fragilis used in older documents does not guarantee that it refers precisely to the current hybrid taxon Salix × fragilis. Its presence in a shared monograph therefore does not allow all group results to be attributed to it without examination.
Uses of bark in the group
Minor joint pain falls within the traditional framework; no separate efficacy is asserted for the hybrid taxon in this profile.
Read the referenceWhat this means for preparation.
Check the accepted taxon, bark part and studied product together. A photograph of a crack willow is insufficient to establish this continuity in the documentation.
03 · EXAMINE THE EVIDENCE
What the research shows.
A laboratory or animal result alone does not demonstrate a benefit in humans. Each result must be read alongside the preparation studied and its limitations.
A collective monograph, not a hybrid trial
- Type of research
- EMA assessment of barks from several Salix species
- Preparation concerned
- Defined bark preparations; botanical identity must be checked for each study.
- Observed results
- The report distinguishes data on specific extracts from the traditional use of bark.
- Limitations to consider
- Without botanical reference material, it is not possible to resolve every use of the name S. fragilis retrospectively.
What can we take from this?
A precise chemical profile is not attributed here to the current hybrid from taxonomically ambiguous data. This uncertainty prevents a comparative ranking of efficacy among willows.
Documentary review dated 09/10/2026. The references remain available to check the context.
04 · CHOOSE A PREPARATION
One plant, several preparations.
Only forms documented in this profile’s sources are presented.
Bark for herbal teaBark · Route: oral
Preparation described in the shared monograph.
Please note: Follow the product's package leaflet; concentrations are not interchangeable.
Read the sourceExtractBark · Route: oral
Preparation described in the shared monograph.
Please note: Follow the product's package leaflet; concentrations are not interchangeable.
Read the source05 · BEFORE ANY USE
Precautions & contraindications.
This guidance does not cover every individual situation. Missing information is not a guarantee of safety.
Contraindications
- Allergy to salicylates, ulcer, coagulation disorder, G6PD deficiency or severe kidney/liver impairment.
Medicine interactions
- Anticoagulants, antiplatelets and anti-inflammatories: do not combine without advice.
Adverse effects
- Digestive disturbances and allergic reactions.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Contraindicated in the third trimester; avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding without medical advice.
Children & adolescents
Contraindicated under 18 years.
If symptoms persist, worsen or are unusual, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, contact the emergency services.
06 · PUTTING KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE
Preparations & recipes.
No home recipe is provided in this profile. For an appropriate preparation, refer to the product leaflet and ask your pharmacist for advice.
07 · CHECK THE SOURCES
Sources for this profile.
- EMA — salicis cortexAccessed on 09/10/2026
- Kew POWO — Salix × fragilisAccessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — final assessment of willow barksAccessed on 09/10/2026
A TOUCH OF SOLÉA
Myriam’s tip
Myriam is reviewing the tip for this profile.
Myriam
